Donaldson strike fires Bees through

A deflected strike from Clayton Donaldson gave Brentford a deserved 2-1 victory over Southend United in a third round FA Cup replay at Griffin Park on Tuesday night.

Victory sets the Bees up with a lucrative fourth round tie at home to European champions Chelsea.

The home side did it the hard way, spurning a number of chances as well as missing a penalty before the Essex side drew level. Yet the in form Donaldson ensured his side get their chance against their west London neighbours.

Harry Forrester had an early chance when he broke down the left and saw his low shot saved by former Bee Paul Smith, who shortly after blocked a Donaldson volley from six yards out.

As Brentford continued to pile on the pressure Toumani Diagouraga volleyed high over after a corner was only partially cleared.

The Bees’ early pressure paid off when Paul Hayes scored from close range after Southend had failed to clear a corner and Lee Hodson crossed into the six yard box.

Forrester then made a surging run, skipping past a couple of defenders before seeing his shot from the edge of the box tipped over by Smith.

Donaldson came close just before the break when he made a great run into the box, only to see his shot saved by Smith.

Southend started the second half with far more purpose, and it wasn’t long before Michael Timlin missed an open goal from six yards out.

Brentford should have made things comfortable after former Bee Mark Phillips fouled Donaldson inside the box, yet Forrester saw his penalty saved by Smith.

Ipsoregulated

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